Malus Law Apparatus
Holmarc's Malus Law Apparatus (Model No: HO-ED-P-02) helps to understand polarization properties of light. It can also be used to study the light intensity relation of polarizer-analyzer. This apparatus comprises of a diode laser (as a light source), a polarizer, an analyzer assembly and a pinhole photo detector with output measurement unit.
In this experiment, Malus law of polarization is verified by showing that the intensity of light passed through two polarizers depend on the square of cosine value of the angle between the two polarizer axis. Laser light is used in this experiment because it’s wavelength is almost completely extinguished by the crossed polarizers.
The laser beam travelling through a polarizer is observed as a function of the orientation of the polarizer. With a second polarizer (called analyzer) the relative orientation of the polarizers is determined. The transmitted light is measured by a photo detector and the Malus Law can be verified.
Experiment:
Verification of Malus law
When completely plane polarized light is incident on the analyzer, the intensity I of the light transmitted by the analyzer is directly proportional to the square of the cosine of angle between the transmission axes of the analyzer and the polarizer ie,
I ∞ cos2θ
To study the polarization properties of light
A graph between the orientations of the light intensity with respect to angle of transmission axis of the analyzer will follow the cos² θ function.
To measure the light intensity of plane polarized light as a function of the analyzer position
Fig. Intensity Vs Polarization Angle
Features:
| Holders with adjustable height and compatible in optical rail |
| Graduated circular degree scale of analyzer and polarizer from 0 to 360° |
| All components are made out of anodized aluminum and stainless steel to avoid corrosion |
Graphs:
Video:
Click HERE for Video -
Related Topics:
| Polarization by reflection |
| Malus' Law |
| Polarizer |
| Analyzer |
Scope of Delivery:
Instruction Manual